1) A series of linked metal rings.
‘Chain’ is not a word that will be misunderstood but chains were items employed in a number of interesting ways that deserve comment. For example, if tolls could be charged for the use of a bridge, it was not unusual to place chains across the points of access: Leland visited Richmond c.1540 and noted the bridge over the Swale wich is sometime chaynid. In 1650, Ł3 6s 8d was paid at Ayton in the North Riding for a new chaine for a bridge and in 1610 there is reference to the cheyninge of the bridge at Skipton on Swale. Chains were also placed across turnpike roads if it was felt that some travellers were avoiding the toll bars, and this use gave rise to minor place-names such as Chain Bar or Road near Marsden. In 1807 it was Ordered that a Chain be fixed across the road near Oaks [Lindley] and that some person be appointed to take the whole Toll there, the same as is taken at Outlane. They were in everyday use in certain industries, especially coal-mining, and in 1734 the blacksmith at Colsterdale made 11 new chains for the lads to draw corves with.